You're looking at a map of Northern New Jersey and things get blurry fast. I get it. The Garden State is packed with towns that bleed into one another, and if you're trying to figure out Scotch Plains NJ is in what county, you aren't alone.
It’s Union County.
That’s the short answer. But honestly, just knowing the county name doesn't tell you the whole story of why this specific spot in Jersey is such a weird, beautiful mix of suburban sprawl and historical weight. Union County itself is a bit of a powerhouse, sitting right between the urban intensity of Essex and the more rolling, affluent hills of Somerset. Scotch Plains sits right in the thick of it.
The Union County Connection
Union County was actually the last county to be incorporated in New Jersey, back in 1857. Before that, Scotch Plains was part of Essex County. If you look at old deeds or genealogy records from the 1700s, you’ll see "Scotch Plains, Essex County" everywhere. It confuses people. They think they’ve found a mistake. They haven't. It’s just that the borders moved while the people stayed put.
Today, being in Union County means Scotch Plains residents are part of a massive infrastructure. We’re talking about a county that manages over 30 parks. If you live here, you're paying taxes to a county seat located in Elizabeth, which feels worlds away from the quiet, tree-lined streets of the Scotch Plains residential blocks.
It’s a big county. Over half a million people call it home. Scotch Plains isn't even the biggest player—towns like Elizabeth and Plainfield take up more "space" in the local news—but Scotch Plains holds a specific kind of prestige within the county borders. It’s where people go when they want the Union County commute but a Somerset County vibe.
Why the Location Is a Tactical Win
Location is everything. If you're looking at Scotch Plains on a map, you'll notice it’s hugged by Fanwood (which is basically its sibling), Westfield, and Mountainside.
The geography is funny.
Some parts of the township feel incredibly flat and suburban. Then, you head toward the Watchung Reservation and suddenly you’re dealing with steep inclines and rocky terrain. This is the "Blue Hills" area. It’s part of why the town was so attractive to the original Scottish settlers back in 1684. They saw the hills and felt right at home.
The Confusion with "The Plainfields"
People constantly mix up Scotch Plains with Plainfield and North Plainfield. It’s a mess for GPS systems and delivery drivers.
Plainfield is its own city in Union County. North Plainfield is actually in Somerset County. Scotch Plains sits right next to both. To make it even more confusing, there’s a section of Scotch Plains that historically had a Plainfield mailing address. If you're moving here, check your zip code. 07076 is the gold standard for Scotch Plains, but you’ll occasionally see 07060 or 07062 creeping in near the borders.
The "Plains" in the name refers to the flat land beneath the Watchung Mountains. It wasn't just a creative name; it was a literal description of the topography that the Lenni Lenape people and later the European settlers navigated.
A Quick Look at the Neighbors
- Westfield: To the east. Higher price tags, bigger downtown, same county.
- Fanwood: Literally tucked inside the "crook" of Scotch Plains. It’s a tiny borough that shares a school system with the township.
- Mountainside: To the north. This is where the elevation starts to get serious.
- Clark: To the southeast. More industrial history, very different vibe.
Life in the Union County Suburbs
What does it actually mean to live in Union County? Taxes are a big conversation piece. New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the country, and Union County isn't an exception. But you get the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools (UCVTS) system. This is a huge deal. It’s one of the top-ranked vocational school districts in the state, and Scotch Plains is actually home to the main campus on Raritan Road.
People move here for the schools. The Scotch Plains-Fanwood district is a powerhouse. It’s a rare setup where two different municipalities—a township and a borough—pool their resources into one educational system. It works.
The Commuter Reality
Most people asking about the county are really asking about the commute. From this part of Union County, you have options.
- The Fanwood Train Station: It’s on the Raritan Valley Line. You can get to Newark Penn Station or Jersey City (Exchange Place) pretty easily. For NYC, you usually have to transfer at Newark, except during "one-seat ride" off-peak hours.
- Bus Routes: The 114 bus is the lifeline here. It runs right through the center of town and takes you straight to the Port Authority in Manhattan. On a good day? 50 minutes. On a rainy Tuesday with a crash on the Turnpike? Bring a book.
- Driving: You’re minutes from Route 22, I-78, and the Garden State Parkway. It’s a central hub.
History You Can Actually Touch
Scotch Plains isn't just a bedroom community. It’s old. Like, "Revolutionary War" old.
The Battle of Short Hills (which, confusingly, didn't happen in the town of Short Hills) was fought right across this terrain. The Cannonball House on Front Street is a real place you can visit. It was built around 1760. Legend says a stray cannonball hit the side of the house during a skirmish with the British.
The town also has a deep African American history. The Shady Rest Country Club (now the Scotch Plains Italian-American Hall) was the first African American-owned and operated country club in the United States. John Shippen, the first American-born golf pro and an African American, lived and worked there. It’s a massive point of pride for Union County history buffs.
Parks and the "Green" Side of Union County
If you think Union County is all paved roads and shopping malls, you haven't been to Ash Brook Reservation.
This is a massive chunk of preserved land in the southern part of the township. It’s swampy, it’s wild, and it’s full of hiking trails. It’s also home to the Ash Brook Golf Course. Union County puts a lot of money into its golf courses. Whether you're at Ash Brook or the nearby Echo Lake Park (which straddles the border with Westfield), you’re seeing your tax dollars at work in the form of well-maintained greens and walking paths.
Echo Lake is particularly great. It’s got a dog park, a fitness trail, and a lake where you can actually pedal boat in the summer. It’s the quintessential Union County weekend spot.
Practical Advice for Newcomers
If you’re planning a move to Scotch Plains or just passing through, there are a few things you need to know that aren't on the official county website.
1. The "Downtown" isn't what you think.
Unlike Westfield or Cranford, Scotch Plains doesn't have a massive, multi-block "Main Street" filled with high-end boutiques. It’s more spread out. You have the Park Avenue area with the stage house and some great local spots, but it’s a quieter, more functional downtown. It's getting a massive redevelopment soon, though. The township has big plans to modernize the center of town, adding more luxury apartments and walkable retail.
2. Route 22 is a beast.
You will learn to love and hate Route 22. It’s where all the shopping is—Target, Costco, every fast-food joint imaginable. But the U-turns (jug-handles) are a New Jersey rite of passage. If you miss your turn, you’re committed to a five-minute detour.
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3. The Library is a gem.
The Scotch Plains Public Library is part of the MURAL system. This means if you have a card here, you can often use it at other libraries in the area. It’s a small detail, but for families, it’s a huge perk of living in this specific county cluster.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often assume Scotch Plains is just a "lower-cost Westfield." That’s a mistake. While it’s often more affordable than its neighbor to the east, Scotch Plains has a more diverse architectural vibe. You’ll find sprawling mid-century moderns near the country club, 1920s colonials near the Fanwood border, and brand-new builds replacing older ranch homes.
It’s also surprisingly large. The township covers about nine square miles. That’s big for this part of New Jersey. Because it’s so large, your experience living here can change drastically depending on which "pocket" you’re in. The south side near the golf course feels very different from the north side near the mountains.
The Real Estate Reality
In 2026, the market in Union County remains tight. Scotch Plains is a "destination" town. When houses hit the market here, they move fast because people want that Union County stability without the urban density of the eastern part of the county. If you're looking at property, pay attention to the flood zones—especially near the brooks that feed into the Rahway River. Most of the town is high and dry, but certain pockets require flood insurance, which can add a few hundred dollars to your monthly mortgage.
Final Steps for Your Search
Now that you know Scotch Plains NJ is in Union County, you can narrow down your administrative tasks.
- For Property Records: Head to the Union County Clerk’s Office website. You can search land records back decades.
- For Elections: You’re in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District (as of the most recent redistricting).
- For Social Services: Most major county offices are located in Elizabeth or Westfield.
- For Recreation: Get a Union County "Discount Card" at one of the county golf courses. It pays for itself in two rounds if you’re a resident.
Scotch Plains is a unique slice of Jersey. It’s got the history of the 1600s, the suburban boom of the 1950s, and a massive redevelopment push happening right now. It’s Union County through and through—scrappy, leafy, and perfectly positioned for whatever comes next.
If you are looking for local government info, check the official township website at scotchplainsnj.gov. For county-wide issues like trash recycling schedules (which are handled at the county level for certain materials) or park permits, the Union County NJ portal (ucnj.org) is your best bet.
Check your specific street on the FEMA flood maps if you're buying near the water. Look into the "One Seat Ride" schedule on NJ Transit if you’re a New York commuter. Visit the Stage House Tavern on a Friday night to see the local community in action. That’s how you really get to know the place.